Abstract: A node is provided for operation in a control system comprising one or more master devices and one or more communications pathways operative to provide control signals from one or more of the master devices to the node. The node includes an electrical device configured to be controlled by one or more of the master devices. The electrical device includes a controller, a communication interface operably coupled to the controller adapted to permit communication between the controller and one or more of the master devices of the control system for controlling an operation of the controller, and an indicator operably coupled to the controller. The communication interface includes a radio frequency communication interface and is adapted to control the operation of the indicator to indicate whether or not the electrical device is operably coupled to a power supply.

Abstract: A panel is provided on a front side of an electronic device. A driving unit opens and closes the panel. A position detecting unit detects whether the panel is open. An object detecting unit detects whether there is an object on the panel when the panel is open. A control unit controls the driving unit not to close the panel when there is an object on the panel.

Abstract: An improved technique of utilizing a centralized control protocol for lighting devices such as DALI. A technique is disclosed for utilizing such protocols in a wireless environment. The first step involves associating particular slave devices with a specified master control device, and a second step involves associating specific functions within the master device with specific slave devices.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for retrieving, accessing, and storing medical data relating to a patient during a medical procedure. The invention provides a single interface to many disparate forms of medical data, which is accessible over a local area network; wide area network, direct connection, or combinations thereof. In one embodiment, an operating room control system for use during a medical procedure on a patient includes an input device, a display device, and a controller that is coupled to the input device and the display device. The controller receives one or more user inputs, transmits a command to a server located outside of the operating room to retrieve medical data, receives the medical data from the server, and displays the medical data on the display device. Medical data can be captured by the controller using, for example, a camera and a video/image capture board, keyboard, and microphone during surgery or examination of the patient.

Abstract: A moisture monitoring and control system comprising: 1) a plurality of moisture sensors; 2) one or more local or remote control stations capable of monitoring and controlling each of the individual elements of the moisture monitoring and control system; 3) at least one water control valve capable of turning off the water supply to all or at least one water supply zone and powered by an aerogel capacitor; and 4) a plurality of non-interfering RF communications devices at each of the sensor, control and water control valve locations.

Abstract: The method of the present invention allows a first wireless control device that is operable to communicate on a predetermined one of a plurality of channels to establish communication with a second wireless control device that may be communicating on any of the plurality of channels. A beacon message is first transmitted repeatedly by the wireless control device on the predetermined channel. The second wireless control device listens for the beacon message for a predetermined amount of time on each of the plurality of channels. When the second control device receives the beacon message on the predetermined channel, the second control device begins communicating on the predetermined channel. The second wireless device may begin listening for the beacon message in response to powering up.

Abstract: A method for a user to establish a wireless connection between a wireless portable computing device and a wireless-equipped device in an industrial or electrical power or distribution plant. Actions of the method are carried out by a second computer program that provides information in a graphical user interface display to a user and opens a wireless connection with a selected industrial device. In other aspects a human-machine interface and a system are also described.

Abstract: A remote control unit is provided that includes an annular touch sensor for manipulating an annular menuing system displayed on a display device. In response to a user gesturing by scrolling clockwise or counter-clockwise about the annular touch sensor, pressing firmly on the annular touch sensor, or tapping at a particular location on the annular touch sensor, the annular menuing system is manipulated to select particular items. The remote control unit is further configured to implement location-awareness features. Control is adapted to the location of the remote control unit and to the devices located nearby to this location. Similarly the remote control unit is further configured to implement user-awareness features, such that the control is adapted for the individual preferences of different users.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of restoring a remotely-located control device of a wireless load control system to a default factory setting. The control device is operable to be coupled to a source of power and has a memory for storing programming information. First, a beacon message is transmitted repeatedly on a predetermined channel. Second, power is applied to the control device. Subsequently, the control device listens for the beacon message for a predetermined amount of time on each of the plurality of channels, and receives the beacon message on the predetermined channel. Next, the a first signal uniquely identifying the control device is transmitted wirelessly from the control device on the predetermined channel within a predetermined amount of time power is applied to the control device. Finally, the control device receives a second signal transmitted on the predetermined channel, and programs the memory with the default factory setting in response to the second signal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and a method thereof of a remotely controllable home network system for domestic appliances. A first processing unit, a first memory unit, a first display unit, and a first network unit are installed in a first domestic appliance of a domestic network system. In addition, the first memory unit is used to store action status information of the first domestic appliance. Thereby, a second domestic appliance that proposes an action request can complete the action of the first domestic appliance in succession after the second domestic appliance selects an execution item via a second display unit. Accordingly, the application convenience is enhanced.

Abstract: A door lock drive controller, after outputting a drive signal to a drive circuit of a door lock actuator based on a signal from a remote control terminal, outputs an answer back signal in the form of pulses to a lamp drive circuit to light a hazard lamp. In a buzzer drive controller, pulses are converted to waveforms with changing voltage values at a waveform converter. A repetitive pulse with frequencies that changes is generated by a frequency generator based on the waveform-converted pulses and, in accordance therewith, a buzzer is driven by an output unit. A whistle-like tone can be obtained by causing the frequency of the repetitive pulse to change in the direction of increase.

Abstract: A remote controlled power switch system includes a transmitter (10) having selection elements and emitting different controlling signals each having a predetermined frequency corresponding to different responses of the selection elements; and a number of receivers (11, 12, 13) each adapted to switch an ON/OFF state of an electrical load under control of the corresponding controlling signal transmitted from the transmitter. The switched receiver transmits a feedback signal to the transmitter after receiving the controlling signal. The transmitter has an indicator unit (106) for indicating the receiving of the feedback signal. The indicator unit comprises an LED light (400) for indicating the ON or OFF state of the switched receiver by emitting different color of lights, a number of LED lights (401, 402, 403) for indicating which of the receivers is switched on, or a display (404) for showing a designated number of the switched receiver.

Abstract: Provided are a method and apparatus for providing state information of a digital device in a home network. The apparatus includes a first network interface module receiving changed state information data from the digital device in the home network, and a control module updating state information of the digital device on the basis of the received state information data.

Abstract: A system for controlling starting and stopping of an engine that prevents a user from erroneously determining that the system is not functioning properly. The system includes an electronic key that may be inserted in a socket. The key selectively transmits a key ID code and a key transponder code to the vehicle. A microcomputer installed in the vehicle checks whether the key ID code matches a vehicle ID code when the key is arranged in the vehicle and checks whether the key transponder code matches a vehicle transponder code when the key is inserted in the socket. The microcomputer enables the starting of the engine and selectively interlocks the key inserted in the socket in accordance with the checking results. First and second display lamps notify the user whether the key is removable from the socket in accordance with the operation of the microcomputer.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to control systems and provides a run time configurable control system for selecting and operating one of a plurality of operating room devices from a single input source, the system comprising a master controller having a voice control interface and means for routing control signals. The system additionally may include a plurality of slave controllers to provide expandability of the system. Also, the system includes output means for generating messages to the user relating to the status of the control system in general and to the status of devices connected thereto.

Abstract: An improved electronic lock system is provided for use with real estate lock boxes. Each user has an identification card with a non-volatile secure memory for exchanging data with the lock box, and for exchanging data with a central computer. The user first inserts the card into a connector at the lock box, or at the central computer. The lock box or central computer must first enable (or unlock) the data in the card memory, and then can read the data stored in that card's memory and record this information in lock box memory. The card must then identify itself, and the user must identify himself/herself to the lock box or central computer. After the identification information is authenticated, the user can enter commands to the lock box; e.g., an access code is manually keyed into the lock box keypad by the user to obtain access to a secure compartment.

Abstract: A transmission/reception device is provided merely as an embedded system, and a domestic appliance control program and/or an industrial appliance control program is/are transferred from the transmission/reception device to an external control apparatus, and the latter is used to control the appliances. In addition, the appliances contain at least one sensor for recording state information about the respective appliance, the recorded sensor variables being transferred to the external control apparatus.

Abstract: An improved electronic lock system is provided for use with real estate lock boxes where there is the need for many people to access the secured compartment of the lock box in a controlled manner. Each user has an identification card with a non-volatile secure memory (known as a “smart card”), for exchanging data with the lock box, and with a portable computer capable of reading data from the smart card; or a cell phone can be used to gain access information from a central computer. The user first inserts the smart card into the connector attached to the lock box; the lock box reads the user's ID stored in the smart card memory and records this information in lock box memory. The lock box then transfers its access code information and other data to the smart card for further processing. The user then inserts the smart card in a portable card reader to learn the access code, or calls a central computer via a mobile phone system and interacts with the computer to elicit the necessary access code information.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to control systems and provides a run time configurable control system for selecting and operating one of a plurality of operating room devices from a single input source, the system comprising a master controller having a voice control interface and means for routing control signals. The system additionally may include a plurality of slave controllers to provide expandability of the system. Also, the system includes output means for generating messages to the user relating to the status of the control system in general and to the status of devices connected thereto.

Abstract: A system for controlling a magnetic field strength includes a magnetic field generator for generating a magnetic field for receipt by a responsive device and a controller in communication with the magnetic field generator for determining a strength of the magnetic field to a level sufficient for use in controlling the responsive device.

Abstract: A device controller is provided which allows a vehicle occupant to confirm a device to be operated without looking an operation section. When a controller of a microswitch indicates a device such as a window regulator or a sun roof, a control circuit feeds a motion confirmation signal to a corresponding device such as a right-hand front door ECU and a roof ECU. A door glass, a sliding roof or the like then reciprocate slightly (i.e., in an amount that is enough for the vehicle occupant to visually confirm the reciprocation) via a window regulator driving circuit, a sun roof driving circuit or the like. The vehicle occupant can thereby confirm a device to be operated by the operation section without looking an operation section.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wireless home automation system having a controller for controlling a broad variety of functions via two ways communication with a plurality of devices. The controllers and devices of the system comprises means for generating a signal comprising a destination identifier, instructions related to the input/output of the destination or source device, and a repeater identifier. The devices according to the invention are adapted to act as input/output devices and signal repeating devices. The processors of each device comprises means for, upon reception of a signal, processing said information if the destination identifier corresponds to the device identifier of the device, and means for, upon reception of a signal, transmitting a second signal holding at least said destination identifier and said instruction if the repeater identifier corresponds to the device identifier of the device.

Abstract: A home electronics system enabling rapid execution of remote control of controlled devices includes a home server, a cellular phone connected to the home server via a public line network, and devices to be controlled controlled in response to a signal from the home server. When the user selects via cellular phone an area, a state or a type of the devices to, the home server creates an image of the current state information showing the state of the devices for transmitting to the cellular phone.

Abstract: When a controller controls a target, a useless communication is eliminated, and control is made easier at the same time. When a personal computer sends a command demanding a VTR to execute ‘REWIND’, the VTR returns a response notifying of an OK for the demand and starts ‘REWIND’ in an inside recording/playback system at the same time. When the mechamode changes from ‘REWIND’ to ‘STOP’, the VTR generates an event and reports the change to the personal computer. Upon receipt of this event, the personal computer immediately sends a command demanding to set the mechamode to ‘PLAY’ to the VTR. Upon receipt of this command, the VTR returns a response notifying of an OK for the command and also sets the mode of the recording/playback system to ‘PLAY’.

Abstract: An emergency lighting monitoring and control system controls and monitors the emergency lights in a building. A central control unit automatically schedules self tests for each of the emergency lights and stores the results of the tests in memory. The self tests include tests of the backup power source and the lamp. Some failures are predicted prior to actual failure. Failures are diagnosed and repairs are suggested. Light output is automatically monitored and adjusted. The central control unit generates a report of the self tests and notifies an operator of failures. An operator views test reports, controls the emergency lights, and schedules tests. The system automatically detects newly installed emergency lighting units.

Abstract: A device (10) is presented for controlling remote convenience function at a vehicle (32) and for interpersonal communication between two operators. The device (10) has components located in a common housing (24). The components include structure (e.g., 14-22) for communicating input from an operator of the device, structure for generating radio frequency signals responsive to the input from the operator of the device, structure for receiving other radio frequency signals from another device responsive to communication input from a operator of another device, and structure for converting the other signals from the operator of the other device into output perceptible by the operator of the device. The output corresponds to the input communicated from the operator of the other device.

Abstract: A medical system that can be used to perform a surgical procedure. The system includes a network gateway that can retrieve remotely located patient data and display the data on a monitor at the surgical site.

Abstract: A security system 63 and an electronic group 62 to be stored in a home network 6 are controlled by a home sever 61. A home network management facility 5 obtains status information showing the status of the electronic device group 62 from home server 61 when a user of electronic device group 62 operates a terminal 1 to make a request to home network management facility 5. Next, home network management facility 5 displays a screen for showing the status of electronic device group 62 on a display unit of terminal 1 based on the received status information, generates display information for displaying a screen for prompting input of a control instruction of the home-located electronic devices to the user on the display unit of terminal 1, and transmits the display information to terminal 1. And, home network management facility 5 performs remote control of electronic device group 62 based on the received control instruction via home server 61 when obtaining the control instruction from terminal 1.

Abstract: A device controller is provided which allows a vehicle occupant to confirm a device to be operated without looking an operation section. When a controller of a microswitch indicates a device such as a window regulator or a sun roof, a control circuit feeds a motion confirmation signal to a corresponding device such as a right-hand front door ECU and a roof ECU. A door glass, a sliding roof or the like then reciprocate slightly (i.e., in an amount that is enough for the vehicle occupant to visually confirm the reciprocation) via a window regulator driving circuit, a sun roof driving circuit or the like. The vehicle occupant can thereby confirm a device to be operated by the operation section without looking an operation section.

Abstract: A sensor for determining the position of a movable object along a selected axis. The system includes a target positioned at a location aligned with the selected axis. An optical energy emitter is mounted on the movable object and has a beam dispersion greater than two degrees directed at the target. An optical energy receiver is mounted on the movable object and aligned to receive optical energy reflected by the target. The optical energy detector generates a receive signal indicating reception of the optical energy. A time of flight circuit coupled to the emitter and receiver generates a flight time signal indicating the elapsed time from emission of the optical energy to reception of reflected optical energy. A control circuit monitors the flight time signal and outputs a position signal indicating position of the movable object with respect to the target.

Abstract: A supervisory control system including a control unit to which an object load is connected and an operation unit, both being connected each other via a communication line, in which object load can be controlled according to desired various patterning control by sending out a control request signal to the communication line by the operation of the operation unit, an operation unit, a supervisory unit and an operation display unit, those have been developed for use in the supervisory control system. The operation unit, the supervisory unit and the operation display unit are so constructed as to constitute multi stage connection, thus in an application of these units in a manner of multi stage connection, they are easily available for a large scale supervisory control system with large many object loads.

Abstract: In a first aspect, a system is provided for queuing people that are to use a bathroom. The system includes (1) a controller; (2) a monitoring device coupled to the controller and adapted to monitor occupancy of a bathroom; and (3) computer program code operative with the controller. The computer code is operative with the controller so as to allow the controller to (1) receive a request to use the bathroom from a user; (2) enter the user in a bathroom queue; and (3) notify the user when the user should proceed to the bathroom.

Abstract: A portable personal wireless interactive video device including a miniature camera, a portable wireless transmitter connected to the camera, a portable wireless receiver for receiving video signals from the transmitter, and a portable video display device connected to the receiver for presenting an image to a viewer corresponding to a view from the perspective of the camera. The viewer may select an image for display on the video display device corresponding to a view from his/her own camera, from a camera worn by another person, or from one of several cameras positioned in selected locations. In one embodiment, the camera may be located within a remotely controlled model vehicle, thereby providing the viewer with a view from the perspective of inside the vehicle for viewing while remotely controlling the vehicle.

Abstract: A home electronics system enabling rapid execution of remote control of controlled devices includes a home server, a cellular phone connected to the home server via a public line network, and devices to be controlled controlled in response to a signal from the home server. When the user selects via cellular phone an area, a state or a type of the devices to, the home server creates an image of the current state information showing the state of the devices for transmitting to the cellular phone.